Biofuel product with fat, oil and/or grease components

ABSTRACT

A biofuel product having constituents selected from the group including fat, oil and/or grease components. A container is formed of a biodegradable material having a multiplicity of openings of a size and shape adapted for allowing the fat, oil and/or grease components to pass through the openings to an interior area of the container. An absorbent capture material is positioned in the container and holds a quantity of the fat, oil and/or grease. The container, capture material and fat, oil and/or grease collectively include the biofuel product.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a biofuel product having fat, oiland/or grease components. In its preferred forms, the product is denselycontained within a container that is itself combustible and thereforemay comprise an integral part of the biofuel product.

BACKGROUND

The National Pretreatment Program implements Clean Water Actrequirements to control pollutants that are introduced intopublically-owned treatment works (“POTWs”). As part of this program, EPAhas promulgated General Pretreatment Regulations that require theestablishment of State and local pretreatment programs to controlpollutants, which pass through or interfere with POTW treatmentprocesses or may contaminate POTW sewage sludge. Meeting theserequirements may require elimination of interference caused by thedischarge to POTWs of Fat, Oil, and Grease (FOG) from food serviceestablishments (FSE). More specifically, the Pretreatment Programregulations at 40 CFR § 403.5(b)(3) prohibit “solid or viscouspollutants in amounts which will cause obstruction” in the POTW and itscollection system. EPA's Report to Congress on combined sewer overflows(CSOs) and sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) identified that “grease fromrestaurants, homes, and industrial sources are the most common cause(47%) of reported blockages. Grease is problematic because itsolidifies, reduces conveyance capacity, and blocks flow.”

Controlling FOG discharges will help POTWs prevent blockages that impactCSOs and SSOs, which cause public health and water quality problems.

FOG wastes are generated at food service establishments as byproductsfrom food preparation, and cleaning activities for pans, dishes,utensils and other surfaces. FOG captured on site is generallyclassified into two broad categories. The first type is yellow greasethat is the byproduct of deep-frying, and often captured in largecontainers, then ultimately sold into the reuse market. The second typeof FOG, focus of this application, are the fat, oil and grease that arewashed down the sink and floor drains into the Grease Trap. These fats,oils and grease are a result of cleaning pans, plates, utensils andother grease-laden surfaces in the food service establishment. Theannual production of grease trap waste is massive. Currently the EPAestimates between 23,000 and 75,000 Sanitary Sewer Overflows per year.Food service establishments create volumes of FOG that run from 800 to1,700 pounds per year. Furthermore, one source indicates that Americansproduce 13 pounds of F.O.G. per capita per year.

Food service establishments can adopt a variety of best managementpractices or install interceptor/collector devices to control andcapture the FOG material before discharge to the POTW collection system.For example, instead of discharging yellow grease to POTWs, food serviceestablishments often accumulate this material for pick up byconsolidation service companies for re-sale or re-use in the manufactureof tallow, animal feed supplements, fuels, or other products.

Additionally, food service establishments can installinterceptor/collector devices (e.g., grease traps) in order toaccumulate FOG on-site and prevent it from entering the POTW collectionsystem. In many cases, an establishment that implements best managementpractices will realize financial benefit through a reduction in theirrequired grease interceptor and trap maintenance frequency.

Likewise, more and more POTWs are addressing FOG discharges by imposingmandatory measures of various types, including inspections, periodicgrease pumping, stiff penalties, and even criminal citations forviolators, along with ‘strong waste’ monthly surcharges added torestaurant sewer bills.

As a separate matter, large quantities of motor vehicle oils andlubricants also end up in water supplies for various reasons. Motorvehicle oils and lubricants thus fall within the definition of fats,oils and/or grease as used in this application.

Pretreatment programs are developing and using inspection checklists forboth food service establishments and POTW pretreatment inspectors tocontrol FOG discharges. Additionally, EPA identified typical numericlocal limits controlling oil and grease in the range of 50 mg/L to 450mg/L with 100 mg/L as the most commonly reported numeric pretreatmentlimit.

With this information in mind, it is apparent that while there has beensome progress in collecting and disposing of FOG, much more needs to bedone. In particular, there is a need for a biofuel product composedlargely of FOG and similar natural, biodegradable materials having highenergy density and usable as fuel in a wide variety of applications andat low cost.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, the invention of this application employs aspecially-designed container, such as but not limited to an absorbenttube or mat into which FOG can be introduced for collection, transportand consumed as a fuel product. In one example, an elongate tube orabsorbent mat geotextile product is used to contain sphagnum peat ormushroom compost materials, and to maximize contact surface area withthe FOG materials in, for example, a grease trap. The sphagnum peat,mushroom compost, and/or orange peels is obtained from select locationsin the United States or Canada known for this type of specializedproduct. As used in this application, peat, mushroom and similarmaterials into which the FOG is absorbed are referred to generally andbroadly as “capture materials” or absorbent materials. In certainaspects, it is contemplated that orange peels may be used as a captureor absorbent material. Likewise, the absorbent material may be apolymeric material such as a polyolefinic material and more preferably apolypropylene having oleophilic and hydrophobic properties that areideal to absorb fat, oil, and/or grease.

Several products suitable for use in the FOG tube described in thisapplication are “Dry All” wood fiber, sphagnum peat moss processed andsold by Integrity Absorbent Products, or shredded mushrooms. Inparticular, the peat moss product is an all organic hydrocarbonabsorbent, manufactured from large fiber sphagnum peat moss. Themanufacturing process produces a product which becomes both oleophilic,absorbing hydrocarbons and hydrophobic, i.e., repelling water. Due toits fibrous structure and processing, peat absorbs hydrocarbons quicklyon contact by virtue of its wicking capillary action and encapsulatesoil on contact. This makes peat ideal for hydrocarbon cleanup both onopen water and land applications. Peat absorbs up to eight times itsweight. This volume will vary based on the hydrocarbon being absorbedand the temperature. In certain aspects, orange peels have the sameoleophilic and hydrophobic characteristics as those mentioned above.

This type of natural cleansing and separation is one of the uniquefeatures of this invention and why it will be useful to restaurants,industrial facilities and car repair shops that struggle with themaintenance of grease traps and oil spills. Once trapped in the tube ormat, the product can be easily and compactly shipped to a location fordisposal, incineration or further processing, including processing thematerials for use as fuel.

Sewage Sludge Incineration (SSI) is becoming a safe and effectivealternative around densely populated municipalities where landapplication of sewage sludge is less desirable. One of the benefits ofthe sphagnum peat FOG absorbent tubes and mats is that they comprise ahigh BTU fuel that can be used to increase the efficiency of SSIprocesses. In addition to providing a better and more efficient way forcollecting and disposal of FOG, the product can separate the higherdensity grease and oil so that it can be disposed of in a landfill,and/or burned as fuel in a sludge incinerator or other furnace.

Moreover, it is another object of the invention to provide a biofuelproduct having fat, oil and/or grease constituents.

It is another object of the invention to provide a biofuel producthaving fat, oil and/or grease constituents that provide enhancedenvironmental remediation by avoiding the need to dispose of thematerials in landfills or other geographical locations.

It is another object of the invention to provide a product having fat,oil and/or grease constituents that provide for the ability to utilizenatural, renewable, biodegradable materials to produce a fuel suitablefor a wide variety of uses.

It is another object of the invention to provide having fat, oil and/orgrease constituents that burned as fuel in a sludge incinerator or inother facilities such as furnaces.

It is another object of the invention to utilize containers, such astubes, mats and other configurations to capture spills of oil and otherhydrocarbons at vehicle repair facilities that can then be burned alongwith the oil or other hydrocarbons as fuel.

These and other objects and advantages are achieved by providing abiofuel product having constituents selected from the group consistingof fat, oil and/or grease components, a container formed of abiodegradable material having a multiplicity of openings of a size andshape adapted for allowing the fat, oil and/or grease components to passthrough the openings to an interior area of the container, an absorbentcapture material positioned in the container and holding a quantity ofthe fat, oil and/or grease, the container, capture material and fat, oiland/or grease collectively comprising the biofuel product.

According to another aspect of the invention, the container is abiodegradable geotextile.

According to another aspect of the invention, the container isconstructed of a biodegradable yarn selected from the group consistingof cotton, hemp, ramie and jute.

According to another aspect of the invention, the openings in thecontainer have an apparent opening size (AOS) of 0.25 mm to 0.5 mm. Inthis aspect, the AOS of the container is smaller than the size(s) of theabsorbent material positioned therein such that the absorbent materialremains within the container until being released/removed from thecontainer.

According to another aspect of the invention, the container is a tube.

According to another aspect of the invention, the container is athree-dimensional box-like mat.

In certain aspects, the grease absorbent material is oleophilic andhydrophobic material/matrix configured to absorb fats, oils, and/orgreases while repelling and/or filtering out water from, for example, amixture of water, fats, oils, and greases. According to another aspectof the invention, the fat, oil and/or grease absorbent capture materialis selected from the group consisting of an organic material such assphagnum peat, mushroom compost, and orange peels. According to anotheraspect of the invention, the fat, oil and/or grease capture material isselected from an absorbent porous, polymeric material that is preferablyoleophilic and hydrophobic. In this aspect, the absorbent porous,polymeric material is a polyolefinic material and more preferably apolypropylene having oleophilic and hydrophobic properties that areideal to absorb fat, oil, and/or grease.

According to another aspect of the invention, the fat, oil and/or greaseis present in a range of between 88-75 percent and the capture materialis present in a range of between 12 and 25 percent.

According to another aspect of the invention, the fat, oil and/or greaseand the absorbent capture material is processed according to a processselected from the group of processes consisting of compressing the fat,oil and/or grease and the absorbent capture material into pellets, logs,cakes, shredding and granulating.

According to another aspect of the invention, the fat, oil and/orgrease, the absorbent capture material and the container collectivelycomprise the biofuel product.

According to another aspect of the invention, the biofuel productcontains between 88-75 percent FOG and between 12 and 25 percent capturematerial.

According to another aspect of the invention, the range of B.T.U. outputof the biofuel product is 12,500 to 20,000 B.T.U. per pound.

According to another aspect of the invention, a biofuel product isprovided having constituents selected from the group consisting of fat,oil and grease components, and including a container formed of abiodegradable geotextile having a multiplicity of openings have anapparent opening size (AOS) of 0.25 mm to 0.5 mm and adapted forallowing the fat, oil and/or grease components to pass through theopenings to an interior area of the container. An absorbent capturematerial is positioned in the container and holds a quantity of the fat,oil and/or grease, the container, capture material and fat, oil and/orgrease collectively comprising the biofuel product. In certain aspects,the grease absorbent material positioned in the container is oleophilicand hydrophobic wherein the absorbent material will absorb fats, oils,and/or greases while concurrently repelling water. The fat, oil and/orgrease absorbent capture material is selected from naturally occurringproducts such as sphagnum peat, mushroom compost, and orange peels.Alternatively, the fat, oil and/or grease capture material is selectedfrom an absorbent porous, polymeric material. In this aspect, theabsorbent porous, polymeric material is a polyolefinic material and morepreferably a polypropylene having oleophilic and hydrophobic propertiesthat are ideal to absorb fat, oil, and/or grease. The fat, oil and/orgrease present in a range of between 88-75 percent and the capturematerial present in a range of between 12 and 25 percent. The fat, oiland/or grease and the absorbent capture material can be presented in amultiplicity of forms including pellets, cakes, logs, or as shredded orgranulated fuel.

According to another aspect of the invention, the container includes atether for positioning the container at an influent end of a source offat, oil and/or grease during absorption of the fat, oil or grease intothe capture material.

According to another aspect of the invention, the fat, oil and/or greaseis present in a range of between 88-75 percent and the capture materialpresent in a range of between 12 and 25 percent, the fat, oil and/orgrease and the absorbent capture material being in a multiple of formsincluding pellets, cakes, logs, or as shredded or granulated fuel andthe range of B.T.U. output of the biofuel product is 12,500 to 20,000B.T.U. per pound.

According to another aspect of the invention, the container includes oneclosed end and an open end adapted for being closed after being filledwith the capture material.

In additional aspects, the FOG absorbent material may be used alone(i.e., excluding the previously mentioned container that contains theabsorbent material and/or the absorbent material separated from thecontainer) to absorb FOG when forming/producing the biofuel product(i.e., the absorbent material having FOG absorbed therein). When used inthis manner, a user (e.g., technician) places a desired, predeterminedamount of absorbent material within, for example, a grease trap (orother container having FOG therein). The user then allows an adequatetime for the absorbent material to absorb and preferably becomesaturated with FOG thereby forming the biofuel product. Subsequently theuser removes the biofuel product from, for example, the grease trap forsubsequent use and/or processing steps to be used as the biofuelproduct. During the removal step of the biofuel product (i.e., absorbentmaterial having FOG absorbed therein) in the above mentioned process, itis further envisioned that a positive pressure pump (e.g., a modifiedpool pump such as the Pentair line of pool pumps) and other removal aidswill be used to further expedite the overall process to remove thebiofuel from the grease trap in an expeditious and efficient manner.

In the above-mentioned method, the technician arrives at the grease trapto be serviced and removes the grease trap's lid. (It is preferred thatthe grease trap is serviced at predetermined time intervals to maintainproper operability of the grease trap as well as to maintain manageable,efficient FOG removal during each servicing.) Next, the amount ofabsorbent material to be introduced into the grease trap will bedetermined by the technician visually inspecting and assessing theoverall volume of the grease trap along with the ratio of FOG to brownwater contained therein. The technician next introduces a sufficientamount of the loose absorbent material (e.g., 1 pound, 5 pounds, 10pounds, 20 pounds, etc.—termed the “first amount” or “initial amount”)into the trap to allow for the desirable amount of absorption of FOGinto the absorbent material. For example, each pound of absorbentmaterial should absorb between 5 pounds to 9 pounds of FOG per pound ofabsorbent material, and in preferred aspects, each pound of absorbentmaterial should absorb between 7 pounds to 8 pounds of FOG per pound ofabsorbent material. In preferable aspects, the desirable amountabsorption of FOG into the absorbent material is 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%,50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 98%, or 100% of the FOG within the greasetrap.

After a predetermined time period in which absorption of FOG into theabsorbent material has occurred, the grease trap is again visuallyinspected and assessed to further determine whether any FOG remains, andif so, to further determine the ratio of FOG to brown water remaining inthe grease trap. At that time, more absorbent material (a “secondamount” of absorbent material) may be added to absorb the remaining FOG(i.e., FOG that was not absorbed by the previously provided absorbentmaterial). Subsequent amounts of absorbent material (e.g., “thirdamount”, “fourth amount”, “fifth amount”, etc.) may be added by thetechnician until the desirable amount of FOG absorption (and desired FOGto brown water ratio) has been reached. After reaching the desired FOGabsorption amount in the absorbent material (and the desired FOG tobrown water ratio), the absorbent material having FOG absorbed therein(biofuel) may be subsequently removed all at once by the removalstep/process discussed further below.

As an alternative to the above, an absorbing step followed by animmediate removal step may be used. In this aspect, the absorbentmaterial (i.e., first amount or initial amount) is added to the greasetrap and after a predetermined time period FOG is absorbed into theabsorbent material forming the biofuel. Next, the biofuel (i.e., firstamount of absorbent material having FOG absorbed therein) is removedfrom the grease trap. After removal of the absorbent material having FOGabsorbed therein (i.e., biofuel) from the grease trap, the technicianmay again visually inspect and assess the grease trap to determinewhether any additional FOG remains therein. If so, the technician mayagain, introduce the absorbent material (“second amount” of absorbentmaterial) and allow for absorption of FOG into the second amount ofabsorbent material (biofuel). Subsequently, the second amount ofabsorbent material having FOG absorbed therein is removed from thegrease trap. The above mentioned steps (i.e., absorbing FOG by theabsorbent material followed by an immediate removing step until adesirable FOG to brown water ratio and/or FOG absorption amount in theabsorbent material has been reached) may be repeated as desired by thetechnician.

To further aid in the removing/removal steps (i.e., removing the biofuelcomprising the absorbent material having FOG absorbed therein),additional removal tools and aids may be used. For example, thetechnician may use a rake or rake-like device to actuate the absorbentmaterial, FOG, and/or brown water in the grease trap and to spread theabsorbent material more evenly on the surface of the FOG/water mixturewithin the grease trap. This step advantageously increases the rate ofabsorption into the absorbent material and further expedites the FOGcapture and removal process from the grease trap. During this step, theabsorbent material having FOG absorbed therein is hydrophobic and willcontinue to float even when saturated with FOG.

At this point, the technician may further utilize a positive pressurepump (a modified pool pump such as the Pentair line of pool pumps) topump the biofuel (i.e., FOG laden absorbent material) from the top, oruppermost, portion of the grease trap and to remove the biofueltherefrom via a filter and/or physically remove (e.g., via a net oranother similar removal device). During the removal process and whileusing the pump, the pump will beneficially circulate the brown waterback into the grease trap thereby keeping the grease trap maximallyefficient and effective. The maximum efficiency of the grease trap isachieved by keeping the grease trap full of water during the removalprocess.

While pumping the FOG. laden absorbent material out of the grease trap,the technician moves the end of the hose around the top and/or uppermostsections of the grease trap surface until all of the biofuel (i.e.,absorbent material having FOG absorbed therein) has been removed fromthe grease trap. The same outcome can be achieved with a net,filter/filtration, or similar device.

After the biofuel (i.e., absorbent material laden with FOG and/orabsorbent material having FOG absorbed therein) has been captured andremoved from the grease trap and the unencumbered water drained from thepositive pressure pump hoses into the grease trap, the grease trap lidis closed securely. Then the technician either transports the biofuel toanother location, or leaves the biofuel in a secure area for subsequentremoval and processing.

In certain aspects, the method of forming a biofuel by capturing fats,oil and/or grease in a grease trap are disclosed. In view of the abovedisclosures, this method may include comprising the steps of: (a) addingan absorbent material to the grease trap that has a mixture of water,fats, oil, and grease therein; the absorbent material comprising ahydrophobic and oleophilic material configured to absorb between two toeight times its weight of fats, oil, and/or grease; (b) forming abiofuel by absorbing over a predetermined period of time fats, oil,and/or grease within the absorbent material such that the absorbed fats,oil, and/or grease within the absorbent material are separated from thewater within the grease trap; (c) removing the biofuel from the greasetrap while the separated water of step (b) remains in the grease trap;and (d) optionally transporting the biofuel to a secure location forstorage and/or incineration. In certain aspects, step (d) is included inthe above method. Within the above method, the absorbent material isloose, contained within a container comprising a tube adapted to receiveand securely hold the absorbent material therein, and/or formed as amat. Within the above method, the absorbent material consists of atleast one of sphagnum peat, mushroom compost, orange peels, andpolypropylene. Within the above method, the absorbent material isconfigured to absorb between four to eight times its weight of the fats,oil, and/or grease. Within the above method, before step (a) the volumeof a grease trap and fats, oil, and/or grease relative to the watertherein are visually assessed to determine an amount of absorbentmaterial to be added to the grease trap. In certain aspects, the abovemethod further includes after step (c), repeating steps (a)-(c) until adesired amount of fats, oils, and/or grease have been absorbed andremoved from the grease trap or until all fats, oils, and/or grease havebeen absorbed and removed from the grease trap. In certain aspects, theabove method further includes after step (b), repeating steps (a) and(b) until a desired amount of fats, oils, and/or grease has beenabsorbed by the absorbent material in the grease trap or until all fats,oils, and/or grease has been absorbed by the absorbent material. Incertain aspects, the above method further includes pumping air by apositive pressure pump into the mixture of water, fats, oil, and greaseto increase absorption, coagulation, and/or flocculation of theabsorbent material during steps (a) and (b) and to aid and facilitateremoving the biofuel from the grease trap during step (c) by maintainingthe biofuel on an uppermost surface of the separated water that remainsin the grease trap.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the geotextile container in tube formaccording to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary, enlarged end view of the tube of FIG. 1 , shownin an open positon for receiving a quantity of sphagnum peat material orother absorbent material;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a geotextile container in mat formaccording to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-section of the geotextile mat with sphagnumpeat material or other absorbent material contained in the mat;

FIG. 5 schematically illustrates the processes by which the biofuel isprocessed into various end use configurations; and

FIG. 6 schematically depicts an alternative method of the biofuelformation/production and removal from, for example, a grease trap usingthe disclosed absorbent material(s).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, a container in the form of a tube 10 foruse in the present invention is shown in the FIGS. 1-2 , as noted. Thetube 10 may be constructed according to many suitable constructions, butone construction comprises an elongate tube 10 that is formed of ageotextile fabric 12 that may be constructed by circular knitting, flatknitting, weaving, non-woven formation or any other fabric constructionhaving a multitude of openings through the thickness of the fabric 12.The fabric 12 is preferably seamed along its length or circular knittedto form the tube 10. The tube 10 is preferably constructed of abiodegradable or natural material that will combust with minimalresidue. The fabric 12 of the tube 10 may be constructed of any suitablenatural or biodegradable yarn, for example, with a natural fiber such ascotton, hemp, ramie, jute or similar material because of itsbiodegradable characteristics, with apparent opening size (AOS) on theorder of 0.25 to 0.5 mm depending on the size of the sphagnum peatabsorbent material, mushroom compost absorbent material, orange peels asabsorbent material, and/or the polypropylene absorbent materialpositioned therein (as the absorbent material). The empty tube 10 may beany suitable length and diameter, for example, 60 cm to 120 cm long and7 cm to 15 cm in diameter depending on the size of the grease trap andthe FOG loading from the restaurant or vehicle repair facility. Asmanufactured, the tube 10 is preferably closed at one end and filledfrom the opposite, open end. The open end of the filled tube 10 may beclosed with any suitable closure, such as stitching, clips or tied offwith cord at the top of the grease trap or other FOG separating andcollection structure.

The tube 10 may include an opening 14 on either or both ends to receivea cord 16, as shown in FIG. 5 , by which the tube 10 may be lowered intoand retrieved from a grease trap or other enclosure and tethered to thegrease trap or other structure while in use.

One or more coatings may be applied to the fabric 12 to preventpenetration of the fabric 12 surface by water or aqueous salts therebyallowing the fabric 12 substrate to be non-absorbent for water orsoluble salts.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4 , a container in the form of a mat 20 foruse in the present invention is shown in the FIGS. 3-4 , as noted. Themat 20 may be constructed according to many suitable constructions, butone construction comprises a rectangular “box” shape that is formed of ageotextile fabric 22 that may be constructed by circular knitting, flatknitting, weaving, non-woven formation or any other fabric constructionhaving a multitude of openings through the thickness of the fabric 22.The fabric 22 is preferably seamed along its length and width to formthe mat 20. The mat 20 may be constructed of a synthetic, biodegradableor natural material. The fabric 22 of the mat 20 may be constructed ofany suitable natural or biodegradable/synthetic yarn, for example, anatural fiber such as cotton, hemp, ramie, jute or similar materialbecause of its biodegradable characteristics, with apparent opening size(AOS) on the order of 0.25 to 0.5 mm depending on the size of thesphagnum peat or mushroom compost absorbent material. The empty mat 20may be any suitable length, width and height, for example, 60 cm to 120cm long, 30 cm to 60 cm long and 10 cm to 20 cm in height depending onthe size of the grease trap and the FOG loading from the restaurant orvehicle oils from the vehicle repair facility. As manufactured, the mat20 is preferably closed at one end and filled from the opposite, openend. The open end of the filled mat 20 may be closed with any suitableclosure, such as stitching, clips, or snaps 24. The mat 20 may be seamedin such manner as to create individual compartments within the mat 20.

The mat 20 may include a loop 26 to receive a cord by which the mat 20may be lowered into and retrieved from a grease trap or other enclosureand tethered to the grease trap or other structure while in use.

One or more coatings may be applied to the fabric 22 to preventpenetration of the fabric 22 surface by water or aqueous salts therebyallowing the fabric 22 substrate to be non-absorbent for water orsoluble salts.

The preferable FOG absorbent material filled into the mat 20 is aspecialized form of sphagnum peat “SP”, mushroom compost materials,and/or orange peels. In alternative aspects, the absorbent mater is apolymeric material having oleophilic and hydrophobic properties that areideal to absorb fat, oils, and/or grease. In this aspect, the absorbentporous, polymeric material is a polyolefinic material and morepreferably a polypropylene having oleophilic and hydrophobic propertiesthat are ideal to absorb fat, oil, and/or grease.

The following step by step process is expected for typical use andimplementation of the FOG product and collection process. The process isexplained with reference to the tube 10, but will be essentially thesame when using the mat 20.

STEP 1: Introduce the tube 10 with selected sphagnum peat “SP” ormushroom compost into the grease trap or other FOG collection structure.Tether the tube 10 with cord 16 so that it stays at the influent end ofthe grease trap, and is the optimal location of FOG collection. Prior toplacement in the grease trap, weigh the dry tube 10 so that a “beforeand after” measure of FOG collection can be established.

STEP 2: After consultation with local water and sewer regulatoryofficials and the owner of the FOG collection device or grease trap,setup of a regular interval to remove and replace the FOG collectionabsorbent tube 10. From past experience, the best way to initiate theuse of the FOG remediation technology is to start off as a regulatoryapproved Demonstration Project where the approach and results aremeasured and evaluated.

STEP 3: Depending on the interval for removal and collection of the FOGabsorbent tube 10, arrange for storage in covered and secured FOGcontainers to avoid attracting small animals and rodents that are commonin and around restaurants and vehicle repair facilities.

STEP 4: Transport the FOG tubes to an SSI facility. The FOG tube 10 isthen part of waste to energy, renewable energy biofuel source.

The advantage of the FOG process using the tube 10 or mat 20 is that itsafely and cost effectively separates FOG in the grease trap before itis mixed with large volumes of water and emulsified waste liquids.Separation after the fact is difficult and expensive.

The FOG absorbent tube 10 works for FOG collection because the sphagnumpeat “SP”, mushroom compost material, orange peel, and/or polypropyleneare highly absorbent natural or polymeric materials that separate theFOG from liquids or water. In other words, each of the absorbentmaterial has both oleophilic and hydrophobic properties. The absorbingcharacteristics advantageously include combination of increased surfacearea and natural filtering processes, similar to that provided bycharcoal or activated carbon. A slightly larger AOS in the filteringgeotextile fabric 12 will allow more of the natural absorbing andgeochemical attraction between the sphagnum peat “SP” to have bettercontact with the surface FOG materials to attract and collect it fromthe liquids/water. This approach reduces the tendency or emulsificationof the FOG into the grease trap so that frequency of the grease trappumping and remixing of the FOG and water/liquid will be reduced.Collecting the FOG from the surface of the grease trap is much moreefficient and cost effective.

Estimate of the absorbing qualities of peat moss appear to be in therange of 5 to 10 kg/m² per FOG tube 10 per week. This will be an area ofapplied research and measurement during future demonstration projects.

Polar molecules have a positive charge on one end and a negative chargeon the other end. Non-polar molecules do not have two electrical polesand the electrons are distributed symmetrically on both sides. FOG iscomposed of organic non-polar compounds. Water is a polar solvent. Onlypolar compounds or other polar solvents will mix with water. Therefore,non-polar FOG will not readily mix with water. Depending on the source,FOG has a density of approximately 0.863-0.926 g/cm³. Water has adensity of approximately 1.000 g/cm³. The lesser density substance willfloat on top of the greater density substance if it does not mix, thusnon-polar FOG floats on water because it does not mix and gravity exertsmore pull on the greater density water molecules. Water molecules arerelatively small because they are only composed of one oxygen and twohydrogen molecules (H₂O). They, therefore, pack closely together in aspace. Molecules of oil are large and have complicated shapes, thusrequiring more space than water molecules, which is why oil is lessdense than water.

A few oils having densities less than water are known to be polarcompounds and can mix with water and therefore not float on the water'ssurface.

Thus, polarity and density both contribute to oil floating on water.

Polarity is a relative term. On a sliding scale, some oils are more orless polar than others, and have both polar and non-polar attributions.Also, the heating of oils and interaction with other organic compoundsit is exposed to during heating, can change the oil's chemicalcomposition, and thus change the relative polarity.

The above referenced principles permit the method of this application towork as intended and as developed.

Furthere evidence supporting the “charge” principle is found at Fat, Oiland Grease Science, Dothan, Ala. Fat, Oils, and Grease (FOG) Sciencehttps://www.dothan.org/DocumentCenter/View/3032/FOG---Science?bidId=

Testing of FOG as described above returned a B.T.U. value of 14,019 perpound using a method identified as ASTM D240. According to a preferredembodiment of the invention, the FOG product contains between 88-75percent FOG and between 12 and 25 percent peat or mushroom solids asdescribed above. Expected range of B.T.U. output is 12,500 to 15,500B.T.U. per pound. The biofuel can be transported in its originalcontainer and subsequently compressed into a pellet, or log or othershape, shredded or granulated to increase its surface area and render itmore easily combustible.

Motor vehicle oils similarly incorporated into the FOG product canproduce in the range of 20,000 B.T.U. per pound.

If the FOG is originally collected in a synthetic container,transferring the FOG into some form of container of natural materials,as described above, means that the entire product, FOG, capture materialand container can be used as fuel. As is apparent from the abovediscussion, the FOG/capture material product can be removed from itsformation container for being compressed into a pellet, log, cake orother shape, shredded or granulated, or may remain in its formationcontainer for being combusted, as illustrated in FIG. 5 .

A biofuel product having fat, oil and/or grease components according tothe invention has been described with reference to specific embodimentsand examples. Various details of the invention may be changed withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention.

As further shown in FIG. 6 and in additional aspects, the FOG absorbentmaterial may be used alone (i.e., excluding the previously mentionedcontainer that contains the absorbent material and/or the absorbentmaterial separated from the container) to absorb FOG whenforming/producing the biofuel product (i.e., the absorbent materialhaving FOG absorbed therein). When used in this manner, a user (e.g.,technician) places a desired, predetermined amount of absorbent materialwithin, for example, a grease trap (or other container having FOGtherein). The user then allows an adequate time for the absorbentmaterial to absorb and preferably become saturated with FOG therebyforming the biofuel product. Subsequently the user removes the biofuelproduct from, for example, the grease trap for subsequent use and/orprocessing steps to be used as the biofuel product. During the removalstep of the biofuel product (i.e., absorbent material having FOGabsorbed therein) in the above mentioned process, it is furtherenvisioned that a positive pressure pump (e.g., a modified pool pumpsuch as the Pentair line of pool pumps) and other removal aids (e.g., anet, filter, etc.) will be used to further expedite the overall processto remove the biofuel from the grease trap in an expeditious andefficient manner.

More specifically in the above-mentioned method and in view of FIG. 6 ,the technician arrives at the grease trap to be serviced andremoves/opens the grease trap's lid (S1). Next, the amount of absorbentmaterial to be introduced into the grease trap will be determined by thetechnician visually inspecting and assessing the overall volume of thegrease trap along with the ratio of FOG to brown water contained therein(S2). The technician next introduces a sufficient amount of the looseabsorbent material (e.g., 1 pound, 5 pounds, 10 pounds, 20 pounds,etc.—termed the “first amount” or “initial amount”) into the trap (S3)to allow for the desirable amount of absorption of FOG into theabsorbent material. For example, each pound of absorbent material shouldabsorb between 5 pounds to 9 pounds of FOG per pound of absorbentmaterial, and in preferred aspects, each pound of absorbent materialshould absorb between 7 pounds to 8 pounds of FOG per pound of absorbentmaterial. In preferable aspects, the desirable amount of FOG absorptionof FOG into the absorbent material is 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%,70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 98%, or 100% of the FOG within the grease trap, andin certain aspects the percentage removal of FOG complies with locallaws and ordinances, state laws and ordinances as well as any applicableFederal laws.

After a predetermined time period in which absorption of FOG into theabsorbent material has occurred (S4), the grease trap is again visuallyinspected and assessed to further determine whether any FOG remains(S4′), and if so, to further determine the ratio of FOG to brown waterremaining in the grease trap. At that time, more absorbent material (a“second amount” of absorbent material) may be added (S5 ^(a)′) to absorbthe remaining FOG (i.e., FOG that was not absorbed by the previouslyprovided absorbent material in (S3)). After a predetermined time period(S5 ^(a)″), the technician again visually assesses whether any FOGremains in the grease trap (outside of the biofuel) or whether thedesired amount of FOG has not been absorbed. If the answer to (S5 ^(a)″)is no, the biofuel is removed from the grease trap (S6) by the removalprocess discussed further below and subsequently stored (S7).

However, if the answer to (S5 ^(a)″) is yes, subsequent amounts ofabsorbent material (e.g., “third amount”, “fourth amount”, “fifthamount”, etc.) may be added (S5 ^(a)′″), by the technician until thedesirable amount of FOG absorption (and desired FOG to brown waterratio) has been reached. After reaching the desired FOG absorptionamount in the absorbent material (and the desired FOG to brown waterratio), the absorbent material having FOG absorbed therein (biofuel) maybe subsequently removed (S6) all at once by the removal step/processdiscussed further below.

As an alternative to the above, an absorbing step followed by animmediate removal step may be used. In this aspect, the absorbentmaterial (S3) (i.e., first amount or initial amount) is added to thegrease trap and after a predetermined time period (S4) FOG is absorbedinto the absorbent material forming the biofuel. If no FOG remainsoutside of the absorbent material or the desired amount of FOG has beenabsorbed thereby forming the biofuel (S5), the biofuel (S6) (i.e., firstamount of absorbent material having FOG absorbed therein) is removedfrom the grease trap and the process is concluded by subsequentlystoring (S7) the biofuel.

However, in certain alternative aspects and after steps (S4) and (S4′),it may be determined that the absorbent material has absorbed FOG butsome FOG remains outside of the absorbent material or the desired amountof FOG was not absorbed (S5 ^(b)) by the absorbent material. (S6)removal of the absorbent material having FOG absorbed therein (i.e.,biofuel) from the grease trap may immediately occur after (S5 ^(b)), andthe technician may again visually inspect and assess the grease trap todetermine whether any additional FOG remains therein. If so, thetechnician may again, introduce (S5 ^(b)′) the absorbent material(“second amount” of absorbent material) and allow for absorption of FOGinto the second amount of absorbent material (biofuel) (S5 ^(b)″). If noFOG remains outside of absorbent material or desired amount of FOG hasbeen absorbed, the biofuel is removed from the grease trap (S6).However, after (S5 ^(b)″) if FOG remains outside of absorbent materialor desired amount of FOG has not been absorbed, (S5 b′″) occurs in which(S6), (S5 ^(b)′), (S5 ^(b)″), and (S6) are repeated until no FOG remainsoutside of the absorbent material or the desired amount of FOG has beenabsorbed (e.g., almost all FOG has been absorbed), the biofuel from thegrease trap and subsequently stored (S7).

To further aid in the removing/removal steps (i.e., removing the biofuelcomprising the absorbent material having FOG absorbed therein),additional removal tools and aids may be used. For example, thetechnician may use a rake or rake-like device to actuate the absorbentmaterial, FOG, and/or brown water in the grease trap and to spread theabsorbent material more evenly on the surface of the FOG/water mixturewithin the grease trap. This step advantageously increases the rate ofabsorption into the absorbent material and further expedites the FOGcapture and removal process from the grease trap. During this step, theabsorbent material having FOG absorbed therein is hydrophobic and willcontinue to float even when saturated with FOG.

At this point, the technician may further utilize a positive pressurepump (a modified pool pump such as the Pentair line of pool pumps) topump the biofuel (i.e., FOG laden absorbent material) from the top, oruppermost, portion of the grease trap and to remove the biofueltherefrom via a filter and/or physically remove (e.g., via a net oranother similar removal device). During the removal process and whileusing the pump, the pump will beneficially circulate the brown waterback into the grease trap thereby keeping the grease trap maximallyefficient and effective. The maximum efficiency of the grease trap isachieved by keeping the grease trap full of water during the removalprocess.

While pumping the FOG. laden absorbent material out of the grease trap,the technician moves the end of the hose around the top and/or uppermostsections of the grease trap surface until all of the biofuel (i.e.,absorbent material having FOG absorbed therein) has been removed fromthe grease trap.

After the biofuel (i.e., absorbent material laden with FOG and/orabsorbent material having FOG absorbed therein) has been captured andremoved from the grease trap and the unencumbered water drained from thepositive pressure pump hoses into the grease trap, the grease trap lidis closed securely. Then the technician either transports the biofuel toanother location, or leaves the biofuel in a secure area for subsequentremoval and processing.

Furthermore, the foregoing description of the preferred embodiments ofthe invention and best mode for practicing the invention are providedfor the purpose of illustration only and not for the purpose oflimitation of the invention being defined by the claims.

I claim:
 1. A biofuel product having at least one of fat, oil and/orgrease components, and comprising: (a) a container formed of abiodegradable material having a multiplicity of openings of a size andshape adapted for allowing the fat, oil and/or grease components to passthrough the openings to an interior area of the container; (b) anabsorbent capture material positioned in the container and holding aquantity of the fat, oil and/or grease, the container, capture materialand fat, oil and/or grease collectively comprising the biofuel product,wherein the absorbent capture material is both oleophilic andhydrophobic and configured to separate fat, oil, and/or greasecomponents from water in a mixture containing water, fat, oil, andgrease components, the absorbent material comprising sphagnum peat,mushroom compost, orange peel, or polypropylene.
 2. The biofuel productaccording to claim 1, wherein the container is a biodegradablegeotextile.
 3. The biofuel product according to claim 1, wherein thecontainer is constructed of a biodegradable yarn selected from the groupconsisting of cotton, hemp, ramie and jute.
 4. The biofuel productaccording to claim 1, wherein the openings in the container have anapparent opening size (AOS) of 0.25 mm to 0.5 mm.
 5. The biofuel productaccording to claim 1, wherein the container is a tube.
 6. The biofuelproduct according to claim 1, wherein the container is athree-dimensional box-like mat.
 7. The biofuel product according toclaim 1, wherein the fat, oil and/or grease absorbent capture materialis selected sphagnum peat.
 8. The biofuel product according to claim 1,wherein the fat, oil and/or grease is present in a range of between88-75 percent and the capture material is present in a range of between12 and 25 percent.
 9. The biofuel product according to claim 1, whereinthe fat, oil and/or grease and the absorbent capture material isprocessed according to a process selected from the group of processesconsisting of compressing the fat, oil and/or grease and the absorbentcapture material into pellets, logs, cakes, shredding and granulating.10. The biofuel product according to claim 1, wherein the fat, oiland/or grease, the absorbent capture material and the containercollectively comprise the biofuel product.
 11. The biofuel productaccording to claim 1, wherein the biofuel product contains between 88-75percent FOG and between 12 and 25 percent capture material.
 12. Thebiofuel product according to claim 11, wherein the range of B.T.U.output of the biofuel product is 12,500 to 20,000 B.T.U. per pound. 13.A biofuel product having constituents selected from the group consistingof fat, oil and grease components, and comprising: (a) a containerformed of a biodegradable geotextile having a multiplicity of openingshave an apparent opening size (AOS) of 0.25 mm to 0.5 mm and adapted forallowing the fat, oil and/or grease components to pass through theopenings to an interior area of the container; (b) an absorbent capturematerial that is both oleophilic and hydrophobic and configured toseparate fat, oil, and/or grease components from water in a mixturecontaining water, fat, oil, and grease components, the absorbent capturematerial positioned in the container and holding a quantity of the fat,oil and/or grease, the container, capture material and fat, oil and/orgrease collectively comprising the biofuel product; (c) the fat, oiland/or grease absorbent capture material is sphagnum peat; (d) the fat,oil and/or grease present in a range of between 88-75 percent and thecapture material present in a range of between 12 and 25 percent; (e)the fat, oil and/or grease and the absorbent capture material being in aform selected from the group of forms consisting of compressed pellets,logs, cakes, shredded and granulated.
 14. The biofuel product accordingto claim 13, wherein the range of B.T.U. output of the biofuel productis 12,500 to 20,000 B.T.U. per pound.
 15. The biofuel product accordingto claim 13, wherein the container is a tube.
 16. The biofuel productaccording to claim 13, wherein the container is a three dimensionalbox-like mat.
 17. The biofuel product according to claim 13, wherein thecontainer is constructed of a biodegradable yarn selected from the groupconsisting of cotton, hemp, ramie and jute.
 18. The biofuel productaccording to claim 13, wherein the container includes a tether forpositioning the container at an influent end of a source of fat, oiland/or grease during absorption of the fat, oil and/or grease into thecapture material.
 19. The biofuel product according to claim 13, whereinthe fat, oil and/or grease is present in a range of between 88-75percent and the capture material is present in a range of between 12 and25 percent, the fat, oil and/or grease and the absorbent capturematerial being in a form selected from the group of forms consisting ofpellets, logs, cakes, shredded and granulated, and the range of B.T.U.output of the biofuel product is 12,500 to 20,000 B.T.U. per pound. 20.The biofuel product according to claim 13, wherein the containerincludes one closed end and an open end adapted for being closed afterbeing filled with the capture material.